ATHLETICS JOURNALIST MARK OUMA DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Veteran sports journalist Mark Ouma, one of the most recognisable characters in South African athletics, has died at the age of 56.
Ouma, who had fallen ill during the recent African Senior Championships, passed away on Sunday at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban.
“While we mourn the death of an eloquent speaker with a strong character, we also celebrate his
remarkable life as an ardent sports enthusiast with a decisive sense of fair play,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This he brought into play in his diligent reporting and coverage of sporting events in Africa and world over.”
Born in Uganda, Ouma later became a Kenyan citizen, and was renowned throughout the continent as one of Africa’s leading athletics reporters and photographers.
A former lecturer in philosophy at Makerere University in Kampala and Egerton University in Kenya, Ouma chased his passion by taking up a job as a reporter for the SABC.
He later worked as a sports editor for Voice of America’s Daybreak Africa News.
“Mark will always be remembered as an advocate of African athletics and a professional in his work,” said Athletics SA president Aleck Skhosana.
“I met Mark all over the world doing what he loved best, promoting African athletics.
“We have lost a brother, a friend and a dear colleague. Our deepest condolences go to his parents, siblings, family, colleagues and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Ouma’s family confirmed his funeral would be held in Homa Bay, Kenya.